\Po*lyph"o*ny\, n. [Gr. ?.]
1. Multiplicity of sounds, as in the reverberations of an
   echo.
2. Plurality of sounds and articulations expressed by the
   same vocal sign.
3. (Mus.) Composition in mutually related, equally important
   parts which share the melody among them; contrapuntal
   composition; -- opposed to homophony, in which the melody
   is given to one part only, the others filling out the
   harmony. See {Counterpoint}.